--3B Andy LaRoche was held out of the lineup for the third time in the first seven games of the season. LaRoche is hitless in 14 at bats this season and has committed three errors.

--INF Ramon Vazquez got his third start at third base in place of the slumping Andy LaRoche and went 1-for-3 with a walk. Manager John Russell said he decided to play Vazquez because he was 4-for-7 against Astros starter Brian Moehler coming into the game.

--CF Nate McLouth was shaken up in the first inning when he crashed into the fence while chasing a double by Houston's Miguel Tejada. McLouth stayed in the game and said he felt fine afterward. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and has drawn seven bases on balls in seven games.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in August 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He could be ready to join the Pirates rotation by the end of April.

ROTATION:

LHP Paul Maholm

RHP Ian Snell

LHP Zach Duke

RHP Ross Ohlendorf

RHP Jeff Karstens

BULLPEN:

RHP Matt Capps (closer)

LHP John Grabow

RHP Tyler Yates

LHP Sean Burnett

RHP Craig Hansen

RHP Jesse Chavez

LHP Donnie Veal

CATCHERS:

Ryan Doumit

Jason Jaramillo

INFIELDERS:

1B Adam LaRoche

2B Freddy Sanchez

SS Jack Wilson

3B Andy LaRoche

INF Ramon Vasquez

INF Luis Cruz

INF/OF Eric Hinske

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Nyjer Morgan

CF Nate McLouth

RF Brandon Moss

OF Craig Monroe